James and the Giant Peach – Character Description

The Ladahlords: a mysterious trio who seem to have a hand in the magical things that are happening. Though they may seem a bit off, they carefully watch over James, making sure he moves towards to a better life. The Ladahlords also serves as a “Greek chorus”, narrating the story and singing both individually and collectively.

James: the hero of our story, on an epic quest to find a family of his own and gain confidence in himself. Cast as a young boy or girl and someone who has great acting instincts.

Mr. Trotter & Mrs. Trotter: are James' parents and are a happy loving couple.The father is a pleasant looking man and the mother is a lovely, smartly-dressed woman.

Rhinoceros: a two person puppet of an angry Rhino that has escaped from the London Zoo.

Zoo Crowd: includes, Karl Kreatour and the Zoo Crowd who are all part of James' past.

Matron Nurse: a social worker for orphans. She takes James to live with his Aunts. You get a sense she hasn't had a vacation in years.

Spiker and Sponge: the sort of aunts (or monsters) that you fear ever being stuck with. They take James into their home but only so that he can be their own personal servant. Spiker is the brains of the operation, and Sponge is more concerned with finding something to eat.

Garden Chorus: puppeteers and dancers come to life in 'Shake It Up' and help the Ladahlords gather and mix the ingredients for a magical potion.

Photographer & Reporters: includes Ida Walters. They are on the first on the scene to get all the juice on the giant Peach.

Ladies Garden Guild: includes President Daisy, Bitsy Botana, and others who are dressed in flowery frocks and hats, intent on having Spiker and Sponge letting them have a peek at the Giant Peach.

Hollywood Agent: and his sidekick, Buzz, they jump-in on the success of the growing peach with movie deals for Spiker and Sponge.

Ladybug: immediately takes to doting on James, and assumes a paternal role (the Mom) in his life.

Grasshopper: the leader of the Insects, is ever the optimist and assumes a paternal role in James life. Sings the song, 'Floating Along'

Spider: a clever creature who becomes a fun-loving older sister to James. Sings first solo verse in 'Everywhere that You Are'.

Earthworm: a gentle spirit, although he can be a bit of a coward. Luckily, he gains enough courage to save the day by baiting some gullible Seagulls. Earthworm looks at James as a brother figure.

Centipede: may be a bit of grouch, but he is ever-loyal to the pack, and by the end of the story, he is won over by James. James sees Centipede as that cranky uncle with a heart of gold.

Farm Animals: of all shapes and sizes scatter in a panic as the peach rolls through their pastures.

Oompa-Loompas: led by Willy Wonka, all are in harms way as the peach outgrows its stem and rolls towards the ocean.

Cruise Passenger: various vacationers en route to New York with Spiker and Sponge.

Jetplane Passenger: various travelers en route to New York headed directly towards a flying Peach.

Sharks and Seagulls: strong movers and dancers in these roles.

New Yorkers: including the Screaming Women, Lucille Van Kooglestein, Bunny Mackenzie, the 3rd, Jake and Joe all witness the peach land directly on the Empire State Building and are sent into a panic!